Swimmer and campaigner Archie Goodburn appeared to grow emotional as he returned to the BBC Breakfast sofa on Saturday, 17 October, to share an update on his brain tumour with presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty.
The 25-year-old Scottish athlete was diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours two years ago. He has been urging more investment in brain cancer research and earlier this year made a tearful plea to Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the programme.
Prime Minister's promises
Archie began: “I’m really excited about the promises being made by the Prime Minister this week.”
He added: “But what I’ve realised is brain cancer has this very short prognosis for so many patients, and I’ve been lucky to be diagnosed with a type that has longer prognosis, so I’ve felt a bit of pressure to take advantage of that and campaign for those who don’t have the same amount of time to make what I think can be a real difference.”
He explained that he had a low-grade glioma that began to grow quicker, and the “aggressive behaviour” from it caused his blood-brain barrier to break down two years ago. He was able to gain access to a drug that was not originally approved in the UK, a decision which has now been overturned.
Frustration at treatment access
Talking about fighting for those drugs, Archie went on: “Brain cancer is obviously very difficult to treat, and nowhere in the world has cracked it, no where is curing it. All forms are currently incurable. But what we are seeing is other countries getting longer survival, other countries getting access to trials which patients here would be really excited to try.”
He added: “That’s the frustration, but that’s also one of the promises that the Prime Minister and Health Secretary have committed to changing this week, so we’re really excited about that.”
He continued: “The personal side is, you want to go to bed knowing options are available to some extent. So if the treatment that I’m on right now fails, there’s an option afterwards. And right now, there isn’t really.”
“I would have to undergo radiotherapy which would massively compromise my cognitive health, I’m not sure I would be able to continue in the workplace in the way that I am now. It’s really that reassurance and being able to plan for the future rather than living in fear of it.”
Looking forward to the future
Archie said he was hoping the government would commit to the promises made “urgently” and was “reassured” by the communications he had received so far. “It really seems like they are following through with these promises, and they do want to position the UK as a global leader in this,” he said.
He added: “There’s obviously the selfish perspective as well, this is going to help me. There’s a trial abroad that I would love to have access to that isn’t in the UK.”
“So as well as hopefully impacting the lives of thousands of others around the UK, I’m hoping that these three promises will really make a difference to my life as well, and allow me to look forward to the future and plan to raise a family and live the best life possible.”
He added: “It’s going to impact me, I really have been fighting for my life and the last few months have been very stressful but there’s been lots of people around me to support.”
As the interview came to an end, Archie appeared to fight back tears, looking glassy-eyed as he spoke about recent struggles. Presenter Naga asked him about the small things in life, and whether there was any sense of relief now.
Archie replied: “I think to be honest I have to say thanks to my girlfriend. I’m planning a really nice Saturday and Sunday with her this weekend, because it’s been a bit of an up and down time since my last time on the sofa. Definitely looking forward to appreciating a little bit more time with her and friends around me.”
BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
